How Much is Audi A4 Brake Fluid Service Cost

Audi A4 service cost depends on how much is needed to do, and automotive experts can decide this for you. When you want to keep your Audi A4 in top condition you’ll also need to pay attention to fluid service. Fluid is very essential to all braking systems for its function to translate the force from the brake pedal to the actual brakes. The level of braking per se afforded to a consumer declines as the fluid degrades in time. An important step in getting your maintenance work scheduled is to know how the service is done and the cost related to it. Let’s dive into the details.

Table of Contents

• Brake Fluid Service
• Why Brake Fluid is Important?
• Cost Breakdown
  • Personal Opinion
• Break Fluid Service: Steps
  • Personal Opinion
• Conclusion

Brake Fluid Service

Audi A4 B8 Brake Fluid Service

As the name implies, service means checking, refilling, or replacing your car’s fluid. Don’t forget to assist him in this simple maintenance chore that should be done about every 20–30 thousand miles or as per the service manuals. In the Audi A4s made after 2009, it is safe to fill up fluid of DOT 3 and DOT 4 standards.

Why Brake Fluid is Important?

This means you have to be very careful that there is no moisture and no contaminant in the fluid that you put in your Audi A4. Also, it introduces corrosion to any of the broken components or in the lines leading to failure. It also keeps the fluid fresh and allows you to be sure your car’s braking system is at the ready.

Cost Breakdown

Audi A4 Brake Fluid Service Costs

The amount of money that can be charged for a brake fluid service will depend on some factors such as the company that you go to, the year of manufacturing of the Audi A4, and geographical location.

You can therefore expect to part with anything between $75 and $150 if you take your vehicle to a dealership or an authentic mechanic for fluid change.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved:

• Labor Costs: Working hours usually form the largest part of the service fee. The labor cost could be higher when charged by dealerships than by independent mechanics because dealerships have the specialized skills in handling Audi automobiles.
• Parts Costs: The cost of the brake fluid itself is therefore small: from 10 to 30 dollars. But some services may also have extra flushing products that again can add a little more cost.
• Additional Services: While doing a brake fluid change, some mechanics may provide a brake fluid flush. Another benefit of a flush is to make sure all the old fluid is gone since fresh brake fluid can enhance the stopping power of the car but also turn it into an expensive procedure.

Personal Opinion

From my interaction with cars, it is always advisable to go for a brake fluid flush more than a change or a top-up especially when you haven’t serviced your brake fluid for some time. A flush helps to do this and saves the expensive task of having to replace the brakes, which is very important if you are driving a vehicle that is well-engineered like the Audi A4.

Break Fluid Service: Steps

A brake fluid service involves: While it’s best handled by a professional, understanding the process can help you make informed decisions:

1. Preparation: The mechanic will first check on whether the car can be worked on; he will usually raise the car to get to the brake fluid reservoir.
2. Bleeding the System: Another important process of a brake fluid service is the act of bleeding the system. This involves unscrewing of bleed valves on each brake caliper to let out the old fluid and the trapped air bubbles in the calipers as if a new fluid is added.
3. Fluid Replacement: When the old brake fluid is forced out of the reservoir, fresh brake fluid is then put in it. This may be done a few times to make certain that there is no air trapped within the system.
4. Final Checks: Once the new fluid is introduced, the mechanic will first inspect the brake fluid level and also look for any signs of leakage. They might also check on the brake pedal feel to see that it is very firm and responsive.

Personal Opinion

Despite the fact that one may want to introduce monetary savings by having a friend or a family member who doesn’t make a living perform this service, I advise that you do it professionally. Bleeding the brakes is a delicate process, and any error made will lead to failure. This means that the lives of you and the passengers you transport should be the most important to you.

Conclusion

Audi A4 B8

The price for the brake fluid service is not cheap, but it is rather affordable given that the proper functioning of a car requires attention to its brakes. In general, getting brake fluid service, whether in a dealership or a mechanic, implies that you have made the right choice. For one, it protects you from accidents; secondly, it also maintains your car’s status and efficiency as an Audi A4. Of course, when it comes to any maintenance work, it is always important to know what is being done and why it is important, so do not be afraid to ask questions when getting an auto detailing service.

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Monochrome Maschine: A 1979 Moto Guzzi Le Mans II by Kaffeemaschine

Axel Budde’s work is impossible to miss. His shop, Kaffeemaschine, focuses solely on classic Moto Guzzi models, turning them into elegant machines that are impossibly cool, highly refined, and built to be ridden.

Based in Hamburg, Germany, Kaffeemaschine recently buttoned up this monochromatic charmer for a client who wanted one of the workshop’s signature GT tourer builds, but with a few twists. “He wanted a Kaffeemaschine GT, but a little more in the direction of a scrambler,” Axel explains. “And he wanted most of it black.”

Further to those requirements, Axel’s client asked that the donor bike be the same age as him—so Kaffeemaschine sourced a 1979 Moto Guzzi Le Mans II. With the Le Mans on the bench and an established template to work from, the crew turned their attention to their customer’s most challenging requested…

“The biggest issue was the fuel tank, as he wanted a different design,” says Axel. “It took us a year to create a new design in CAD, print a prototype (twice), have molds made, and get the tank fabricated in carbon fiber.”

The new tank cuts a similar silhouette to the one that Kaffeemaschine usually puts on their GT builds, but with a blockier vibe that hints at modern Moto Guzzis. With it in place, the team turned their attention to designing a new seat to match. (Given the amount of time dedicated to the new tank and seat, both will be available on future Kaffeemaschine bikes.)

The rest of the Le Mans II is standard Kaffeemaschine GT fare. The GT formula focuses on comfort and reliability, blending classic Tonti-framed style with a build spec that’ll eat up the Alps.

As per their standard operating procedure, Kaffeemaschine rebuilt the Le Mans II’s 844 cc motor. It’s been bumped up to 1,000 cc, with a smorgasbord of proprietary parts on the inside and outside. You’ll also spot new Dell’Orto carbs, velocity stacks, and a pair of blacked-out stainless steel exhausts.

Fresh wiring, a Lithium-ion battery, and an electronic ignition were installed to drag the late-70s Guzzi into the modern age.

Improvements were made to the chassis too. The forks are Kaffeemaschine’s own design, featuring custom fork tubes with Andreani internals. Likewise, the fork yokes, headlight brackets, one-piece handlebar clamp and speedo mount, throttle, and switchgear are all in-house parts, while the bars are from LSL.

Upgraded Wilbers shocks do duty out back, and the bike rolls on new 18F/17R laced wheels. The OEM Brembo brakes were refurbished, and upgraded with stainless steel hoses and a Kaffeemaschine rear caliper bracket and torque arm. The utilitarian rear-sets are, once again, Kaffeemaschine parts.

Finishing touches include abbreviated fenders, a carbon fiber glove box under the seat, passenger grab handles, and a handsome tank-mounted luggage rack that can accommodate a Kaffeemaschine tank bag. The client’s final request was a black paint job; Axel responded with a stylish metallic finish from Porsche’s back catalog.

As we’ve come to expect from Kaffeemaschine, there’s not a hair out of place on this slick Moto Guzzi Le Mans II. But it’s not just the endless details that have us shook—it’s also the way those details harmonize to create a machine that just looks right.

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A Little Laughter Goes a Long Way: A Chat with Drew from Bixby Moto

Motorcycles are fun, right? Having fun is one of the most important aspects of motorcycling. There really is no other excuse for throwing our fragile meat sacks atop a steaming engine with wheels and rocketing through space like a game of Galaga, sans lasers and no extra lives. It’s fun.

That’s where Bixby Moto comes in. Bringing a bit of levity to the often overly-serious culture of motorcycling. To break up the monotony of scowling mugs, airbrushed flames, and duck faces. So we decided to dig a little deeper and found the opportunity to catch up with Drew of Bixby Moto to ask him about the meaning of dreams, a little fashion advice, and what bull testicles taste like. Also, our joke funnel was a little dry.

Who are you? Jeez. I can’t think of a more philosophical question. Just a dude with insecurities, a love for motorcycles, and a warped sense of humor. My name is Drew. I have a scooter shop in California. I make just enough money to pay for my adventures and motorcycles.

Right, that question didn’t seem as deep when I asked it, but looking at it now gives me anxiety. What is Bixby Moto? It’s a reminder to myself and every homophobic, sexist, racist person: try being a little less grumpy. Can you tell I was picked on?

Do you have any interesting, scary, or weird recurring dreams? I have one where I lose all my teeth. I’m in the bathroom and I just start lightly pulling them out, one by one. I’m staring in the mirror as I pluck them like autumn leaves until they’re all sitting in a bloody pile in the sink. You think that means something? That sounds absolutely frightening! I mean it’s a great horror movie synopses, but rainbows and unicorns sound much more pleasurable. I can’t even come close to your imagination. Should I be worried? All I ever seem to dream about is my wonderful girlfriend. She floats around on clouds of hugs. Nothing bad ever happens and I wake up smiling. I think they call it love, I don’t know.

Why did you start Bixby Moto? I never saw anyone having fun at motorcycle events. Lots of finger-pointing and judgment. I started to get wrapped up into the culture. Looking cool eventually took a toll and I caught myself living up to every motorcycle culture trope. I wanted to reduce my expectations to a simple rule. Have fun. Hence the Bixby Moto motto: “Fun Time Only”.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? I ate rattlesnake once. I’ve also unintentionally eaten dirt and probably a lot of spiders. Potty humor aside, I’ve eaten bull testicles. They aren’t as good as you’d think. Rattlesnake sounds way more Gucci.

Yeah, it’s pretty Gucci. Rattlesnake is sort of like a cross between a fish and a chicken. It tastes pretty good doused in BBQ sauce. Then again, spiders probably taste good doused in BBQ sauce. What do bull testicles taste like and how were they prepared? They’re deep-fried and bland. My whole life has been finding an excuse to dip things in BBQ sauce. Thirty years now and I’m getting creative.

When you ride a motorcycle, do you feel the eagle spirit of freedom enter your body and allow your soul to take flight? Truly, motorcycles are a magical wonderland that most will never know. It elicits powerful emotions. A sense of pure joy! But heaven is “ghost riding” your motorcycle into a brick wall, shrugging your shoulders, and walking away. I’d rather have a handbag than a showbike. Even better, a scooter.

I hear you, sometimes a showbike doesn’t have any stories to tell. Where do you get the tight threads? You’re always sporting some dope getup. Most men have wandering eyes, but I’m not watching for beautiful women. It’s rhinestones that get me hot and bothered. I buy it when I see it. Thrift stores are the best bang for your buck. Farm towns have great cowboy hats and western suits.

Any fashion advice you could give me? That’s easy. Wear something that makes you feel embarrassed. Feeling like an idiot is comparable to a force field. There isn’t anything anyone can say that’s worse than how you feel. It sounds illogical, but it works. If all else fails: What would Liberace do?

What is that killer ride you took to punish in the dunes? A stock ‘71 XLH900 Sportster. It doesn’t do anything particularly well, which is probably why I love it. My first choice would have been to get sloppy in the sand dunes with a Gold Wing. But I don’t have one of those, so I took the worst bike I own.

How’d it handle with those massive paddles on it? It was slow, heavy, and handled like seaweed in high surf. The key to sand is floating gracefully across the surface. But I ain’t graceful and I like a challenge. The paddle tire probably didn’t hurt, but 50 horsepower from a boat anchor was less than ideal.

Then again, NASA put us on the moon two years before Harley Davidson built my bike. What was I complaining about again? The short answer: I had it pinned the whole time.

What was your first bike? I was just a kid when my Dad bought a Suzuki DS80 to learn on. He took my brother and I to a sand washout in the desert for our first lesson. I got 20 feet and started crying. It was the most terrified I’ve ever felt. I was ready to quit, but Dad was supportive. He wouldn’t let me give up. Now I feel like I could ride anything anywhere. Thanks, Dad!

Where is Bixby Moto located? 11211 Slater Ave., Fountain Valley, CA, 92708. That’s quite literal, but anyone who wants a sticker can send me a postcard with a return address and I’ll mail out something hella bespoke.

This article first appeared in issue 21 of Iron & Air Magazine, and is reproduced here under license | Interview by Gregory George Moore | Images by Christopher Hopkins

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Riding with a Passenger on a Snowmobile: 8 Helpful Tips

Snow-packed trails are calling, but bringing another person along presents additional considerations and new obstacles. You’re responsible for your passenger’s health and well-being in wintry conditions, which can bring the fun to a halt if either of you comes unprepared. Learn how to transport two people on a snowmobile.

Table of Contents

• Use the Proper Equipment
• Bundle Up
• Stay Connected
• Drive with Care
• Get into Position
• Plan for Emergencies
• Prepare for a Changing Climate
• Know Their Limits
• Riding a Snowmobile with a Passenger

Use the Proper Equipment

You should only ride with another person if your sled is designed for two people. Known as a double or 2-up sled, these machines have a second seat and two pairs of handlebars and footrests to accommodate passengers, increasing the length, weight, and capacity. Squeezing two people onto a single sled increases the risk of accidents. Your companion can easily fall off the back without something to grab onto.

Original equipment manufacturers offer upgrades that turn your sled into a double, but the additional weight can reduce performance. Double sleds typically distribute the weight better to keep you from sinking. They also have larger engines to compensate for the drag and reinforced shocks to reduce vibrations.

Source: Parilov/Shutterstock.com

Bundle Up

Once your sled is up to par, ensure you’re both wearing protective gear, including a helmet, goggles, pads and a waterproof winter ensemble to stay warm and dry. Help your fellow traveler choose moisture-wicking underlayers and insulating inserts that can be added or removed based on the temperature. Show them how to tuck layers into one another to create a foolproof barrier.

Stay Connected

You and your companion should be in each other’s ear to coordinate your experiences. Pair your helmets with wireless off-road headsets to communicate clearly over the rush of the wind. You can check on them without looking away from the road or taking your hands off the throttle. The wireless connection won’t get lost when riding two-to-a-sled, and the device connects automatically to up to 15 riders when in range to help you sync up with everyone in your party.

Drive with Care

Adding another person to the equation raises the stakes. You could be held liable for any injuries they incur while you’re at the helm. Don’t exceed the mph limit. Stick to groomed trails with several inches of snow and give yourself more room and time to turn to keep your passenger onboard. Keep your eyes on the road to avoid obstacles and reduce speed in low visibility. Most accidents are caused by riders colliding with natural and human-made objects.

Now’s a good time to refresh your skills. If you don’t ride regularly, use these snowmobile riding tips to instill confidence in your companion.

Source: Altrendo Images/Shutterstock.com

Get into Position

Adding a hundred-plus pounds affects handling and acceleration by pushing the center of gravity to the rear. You’ll need more time to accelerate and may have trouble ascending steep inclines than when riding solo. Sudden movements on their end can also dramatically shift your balance. Encourage them to shift their weight into each turn and stay still with their feet flat on the pegs and hands on the bars.

Plan for Emergencies

You’ll also be responsible for getting you and your companion out of a jam should things go south, which means dealing with mechanical issues and navigating, all while keeping your companion safe and comfortable. Bring a repair kit, recovery tools, snacks, water and personal warming pads to keep your body temperature up when stopped. Use a radio to contact the authorities and survival gear to await your rescue.

Prepare for a Changing Climate

Average temperatures are warming across the U.S., turning what would be mountains of snow into steady rain. These long-term trends limit trail access during peak riding season. Aside from the occasional superstorm, expect less snow in the years ahead. Monitor real-time density where you plan on sledding to ensure it’s safe to ride. Ride early in the morning to catch powder before it melts. Thinner layers of snow lead to bumpier rides, bringing rocks and tree roots closer to the surface.

Know Their Limits

Your buddy may be surprised at how physically demanding snowmobiling can be. The sport works your muscles in subtle ways, which can leave you both exhausted after a few hours of riding. Use snowmobile helmet communication to check on each other throughout the trip without pulling over. Encourage them to speak up if they need a break or the vibrations become too much. Break up longer trips into hour-long increments to give them a chance to stretch their legs and refuel.

Riding a Snowmobile with a Passenger

Snowmobiles are the best way to get around the wilderness when the ground turns white. Eighty percent of riders use their equipment for trail riding, with the rest supporting commercial purposes like fishing, hunting, and transportation. You can share your love of snowmobiling to turn your companion into a winter sports fan or give a co-worker a lift to the job site when the roads are impassable. Introducing someone you love to a new activity can put them out of their comfort zone. Be patient and receptive to their needs as they tackle this adventurous task.

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Speed Read: A Ducati Diavel V2 with 3D printed bodywork, and more

110 years of motorcycling history separate the motorcycles in this week’s list. We kick off with a modern Ducati Diavel from China, then take a look at the first made-to-order Janus Motorcycles Gryffin 450 scrambler to roll off the Indiana company’s production line. BMW updates the R18 for 2025, while an incredibly rare American-made board tracker pops up at the Mecum Las Vegas auction.

Ducati Diavel by Mandrill Garage When Ducati unveiled the new Diavel V4, we knew that the Ducati Diavel V2’s time was limited. To mark the occasion, Ducati China approached Luo Hao and the team at Mandrill Garage to give the V2 a proper sendoff with a bespoke Diavel V2 custom. And what a sendoff it is.

The goal was to preserve the original character of the sporty power cruiser but elevate the design to something bold and exclusive. Mandrill took one of the last brand-new Diavel V2s, and promptly stripped it back until just the rolling chassis remained.

The rear subframe was replaced with a more relaxed unit from a Ducati XDiavel, then the whole bike was 3D-scanned before the design work could start in earnest. The design was heavily inspired by the iconic DeLorean car, but instead of stainless steel construction for the body panels, the Mandrill team utilized CAD design and 3D printing.

The new body panels were painted with a brushed metal effect, which looks incredible. The tail lights are just visible on the back of the seat, with LED lights ingeniously designed to shine through two slits in the tail panels, just under the custom black leather seat.

There’s also a small storage compartment beneath the seat to add some utility to this futuristic beast. The black, red, and silver theme is classy and extremely impactful.

We didn’t think the Diavel could gain any more street presence—but we’re glad to be proven wrong by one of China’s best custom motorcycle outfits. [Source]

Janus Motorcycles Gryffin 450 The Janus Motorcycles team is celebrating the recent rollout of the first production version of their new Gryffin 450. Based in Goshen, Indiana, the company’s craftspeople hand-build motorcycles that are as fun to ride as they are to own.

The Gryffin 450 is the company’s scrambler, positioned alongside the road-going Halcyon 450 in the Janus lineup. You’re looking at Gryffin 450 #1—the first made-to-order Gryffin to officially roll off the production line.

Up front is a leading link fork with twin Ikon progressive shocks. The front suspension is a Janus signature, as is the handmade steel frame. The wheels measure 21” up front and 18” out back, and use CNC-machined aluminum hubs laced to aluminum rims with stainless steel spokes.

The Gryffin’s scrambler-esque bodywork (which is all made in-house) includes a high-mount front fender, a round headlight with a small alloy windscreen, and aluminum-backed hand guards. The short tank is backed up by a long, flat scrambler-style seat, and the lucky owner of Gryffin 450 #001 specced it with a svelte luggage rack.

Janus doesn’t make their engines themselves—but if this one looks familiar, that’s because it’s a Honda XR400-derived powerplant built by SWM. The old XR400 was perfectly at home on the dirt, so it’s rather fitting that Janus chose to power their new scrambler with the classic thumper. A twin stainless steel exhaust exits high on the left, with black exhaust shields and an aluminum bash plate adding a few more rugged touches.

Nostalgic lines and classic made-in-America good looks are just two things we like about the Janus Gryffin 450. Honestly, there’s not much we don’t like about it. [Source]

2025 BMW R18 BMW has just pulled the covers off the revised 2025 R18 lineup, featuring a raft of subtle changes. The 1,802 cc air- and oil-cooled boxer twin packs a pantry full of torque into a long, heavy cruiser with stunning vintage styling. While it’s fun to ride, it’s not without its shortcomings—so news of its update intrigued us.

The BMW R18 platform has been renewed for 2025 with Euro 5+ compliance across all the bikes. Power is largely the same at 91 hp, but peak torque has been increased by 5 Nm to a whopping 163 Nm at 3,000 rpm. (BMW says there is over 150 Nm of torque present at any point from 2,000 rpm to 4,000 rpm.)

The base model BMW R18 gets the most changes for 2025. Gone are its burly fork shrouds—which was something we rather liked. The front and rear fenders are new, and the chunky 16” rear wheel has been traded for an 18” unit. Whether that will improve the R18’s woefully limited corner clearance remains to be seen.

The R18’s laced rims have been replaced by cast wheels, with the original 19F/16R laced hoops available as an optional extra. The wheels are black out-of-the-box, but there’s a contrast-cut option that lets some of the metal shine through.

More importantly, the R18’s mufflers have been updated with a circular cross-section design that replaces the old comically large ‘fishtail’ units. The seat has thicker padding, more ergonomic contouring, and a new push-button release system. The rear suspension has been tweaked and a daytime running light has been added (in certain markets).

Another notable update is the addition of ‘Blacked Out’ models to the R18 and R18 Classic catalogs. As implied, those come with exactly zero ounces of chrome, sporting all-black powertrains instead.

There’s no denying that the face-lifted BMW R18 looks sharper, but have its road manners improved? Only time will tell. [Source]

Auction: 1915 Cyclone roadster Mecum’s annual Las Vegas motorcycle auction kicks off this week, with this extremely rare 1915 Cyclone V-Twin as one of its headline attractions. It forms part of the late Urban S. Hirsch III’s extensive collection of vintage bikes, about 100 of which are going on sale in Las Vegas. And considering we once saw a Cyclone sell for $520,000, it should fetch a pretty penny.

Cyclone was an American company that only produced motorcycles for three years, making original examples of their machines extremely sought after. What counted though, was that they were fast.

The Cyclone engine was a 996 cc V-twin, with overhead camshafts driven by a vertical shaft via bevel gears. It made 45 hp and could hit speeds of over 100 mph—bonkers numbers for the time. Naturally, it found fame on the board track racing circuit of the time.

This particular 1915-model Cyclone roadster was meticulously restored by famed vintage motorcycle expert Stephen Wright. Resplendent in bright yellow paint (a signature of the Cyclone brand) it looks factory fresh—even though it’s nearly 110 years old.

It’s believed that there are no more than 14 Cyclones in the wild today, making this vintage machine about as rare as it gets. Tempted? [Source]

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Get Your Shine On: How to Restore Tarnished Motorcycle Exhaust Pipes

You can spit and polish all you want, but certain finishes on your motorcycle will eventually need to be restored, and exhaust pipes are the most prominent example. In addition to hanging low on the bike and being exposed to all the debris and grime on the pavement, they also have to deal with high temperatures and constant heat cycles. Repeated heating and cooling will tarnish the best finishes on the market, and eventually, you’ll need to know how to restore your motorcycle exhaust pipes.

Pipes are made from stainless, mild steel and even titanium, and stock finishes can be everything from chrome to polish, powder coat and paint. The point is that you’ll need to know a few details about your pipes before proceeding, along with your budget and abilities. While some jobs are best left to the professionals, there are several ways to get quality results at home.

Polishing Stainless Steel Exhaust Pipes Stainless steel has become the new standard, and if a major manufacturer built your motorcycle within the last decade, there’s a good chance it’s equipped with a stainless steel exhaust. Stainless pipes are durable and corrosion-resistant, but they can develop discoloration, tarnish and surface imperfections over time. On the bright side, refinishing stainless steel is easily accomplished at home with little more than good old-fashioned elbow grease.

With the pipes removed from the bike, wash them thoroughly with warm water and a mild degreaser to remove road grime, oil and debris. A stiff nylon or brass brush can scrub off stubborn dirt, ensuring you don’t scratch the metal surface.

Next, it’s time to start digging into the baked-in surface grime. Apply a dedicated metal cleaner or stainless steel polish to the pipes. Products like Autosol Metal Polish or Blue-Job Chrome Polish are excellent for this purpose. Use a microfiber cloth or a polishing wheel attachment on a drill to work the polish into the surface, focusing on discolored areas.

For heavier oxidation and discoloration, you’ll need to go to an abrasive to even out the finish. 0000 steel wool and WD-40 is a proven approach; others prefer fine-grit Scotch Brite. You can also wet sand the affected areas, just be sure to keep the grit fine and the surface well-lubricated. Any time you’re using an abrasive, be mindful of the natural ‘grain’ of the stainless, as you’ll want to work in the direction of the grain for best results.

With the surface contaminants and discoloration removed, it’s time for a final polish to bring out the stainless steel’s natural luster. Apply a final coat of metal polish using a clean cloth or a buffing wheel and buff the pipes to a mirror-like finish, ensuring all residue is removed.

Polishing Chrome Exhaust Pipes Chrome might not get ya home, but there are few stronger finishes known to man. The multi-step plating process produces a durable, mirror-like surface that extends the life of mild steel exhaust by decades. If your chrome is showing some age, but is still somewhat presentable, it’s worth your while to keep up with it.

As chrome ages, you’ll start to notice fine specks of corrosion in the surface. If you don’t handle it at that point, the corrosion will worsen until the chrome fails completely and rusts.

You can improve the look of chrome exhaust pipes while they’re still on the motorcycle, but you’ll get the best results by removing them. Clean the pipes with warm water and a degreaser to remove surface contaminants. Then, use a chrome-specific cleaner or polish, such as Mothers, Blue Magic or Autosol, to restore the shine.

Old-timers swear by 0000 steel wool, but you’ll want to avoid this, as it leaves iron in the pits of your chrome that will rust even quicker. If you have bad pitting, get what you can with the chrome polish, and try your luck with the old aluminum foil trick.

If your chrome has failed completely, it’s probably time to look for a chrome shop or replacement pipes. Stripping chrome is difficult, as the plating holds up to many conventional abrasives and most home-grade sandblasters. We’ve heard that chrome can be removed with a 40% concentration of hydrochloric acid, but can’t speak for the results ourselves. As far as the abrasives go, been there, done that.

Ceramic Coating Exhaust Pipes If you’re looking for the ultimate solution for a high-performing finish on exhaust pipes, it’s time to pony up for ceramic. We’re not talking about the detailing add-ons car dealerships try to sell you on, but instead, a high-temperature coating that specialist shops apply consisting of silicon carbide, aluminum oxide and other inorganic compounds. It’s available in loads of colors and makes for a durable and uniform finish that’s second to none.

In addition to providing excellent resistance to corrosion, ceramic-coating an exhaust has the added benefit of excellent thermal insulation. The best of these coatings can withstand temperatures over 1,600 degrees F, and best of all, it keeps the heat inside the exhaust. While pipe wrap and other textile products were long a go-to for reducing radiant heat from exhausts, ceramic coating can prevent the pipe from absorbing the heat in the first place and improve exhaust efficiency.

For all the benefits of ceramic, the major downside is that you need to send your pipes out to get the best the coating has to offer. There are ‘at home’ ceramic options, but if you do some digging you’ll find that these products result in a finish that looks a lot like a matte rattle-can job. Real-deal ceramic also requires baking, and you may not be able to get coated exhaust pipes in your home oven (for one reason or another).

The good news is that professional ceramic coatings have gone down in price. Swaintech is probably the best ceramic shop we know of, but we tried a company called Race Coatings for the pipes pictured here. It’s not the best ceramic job I’ve seen, but it was certainly cheap at $335—shipped to Bike EXIF HQ.

Cerakoting Exhaust Pipes If you’re hip with the latest high-performance coatings available, then you’ve likely heard of Cerakote. They describe it as a ‘ceramic-based finish,’ and it’s all the rage in the gun world and is making inroads in the bicycle, automotive and motorcycle industries. Available in every conceivable shade, with excellent resistance to corrosion, chemicals and heat, Cerakote is an excellent option to consider.

While their catalog is vast, I think the two most important considerations for refinishing exhaust are temperature rating and cure type. Cerakote has a couple dozen shades that will withstand 1,800 degrees F, but just 12 are air-cured, so bake curing isn’t out of the question if you’re set on one color.

Another important thing to note is that these products require a decent-size air compressor and an HVLP gun with a 0.8 tip to apply. Cerakote has specialized exhaust starter kits that will have you spraying for around $180, but basically, if you know your way around an HVLP gun, you can Cerakote.

After a sandblast and thorough degreasing, we sprayed this set of vintage two-stroke twin pipes with C-7600 Glacier Black for under $80. But word to wise, this finish is very thin and scratches easily, so handle with care.

High-Temp Spray Paint for Exhaust Everyone’s first exhaust project starts with good intentions, bad prep and a rattle can, and the results can be underwhelming. Spray paint is the cornerstone of good bikes gone bad, but it’s possible to get a decent finish that will last several years if you’re smart about it.

Many get bogged down with the merits of one spray can versus another when they should be focusing on their prep work. Get your pipes as close to bare metal as you can, and a sand-blasting cabinet will greatly reduce the amount of elbow grease you’ll need to invest in the process. If you can’t access one, a wire wheel is likely your next best option.

When you’re down to good steel and spiffed up with acetone, then you can start stressing which spray bomb is best. Don’t even think about using something like engine enamel, as finishes like these are only good to about 500 degrees F. Paint approved to temperatures north of 1,500 degrees F will give you your best chance at success. I’ve had good luck with VHT Flameproof and John Deere muffler paint, but I’ve heard guys swear up and down that Krylon grill paint is as good as any of them.

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